The Everton men’s senior team headed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday to spread some festive cheer.
The Blues have made visiting the world-renowned medical facility at Christmas an annual Club tradition.
And this year was no exception as the whole squad, led by manager Sean Dyche, spent an enjoyable afternoon handing out gifts and meeting patients, parents and staff.
At a special party hosted by the club for Evertonian patients who have had a difficult 12 months, the players challenged youngsters in board games and even participated in mini-football matches!
Ashley Young said:
“It’s incredible to see all the smiling faces of the kids and the parents. The fans are a massive part of this club and it’s always amazing to come here. We always say we are a family club and you can see that with the togetherness here today.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin added:
“It’s so rewarding for the boys to come and meet them all and it makes you quite emotional.
“When you have your own children it puts everything into perspective, so to come here and see some small babies not doing so well is tough, but if we can brighten up their day even for a minute it’s a job well done.
As part of the fun-filled visit, the players also posed for pictures with patients, signed autographs, and handed out Club toys.
Sean Dyche said:
“It’s a chance to give a small piece of ourselves back to the people here and it’s been great. The lads are here, authentically, to give out a few gifts and presents to people who are not as fortunate at this time of year.
“I’ve got kids myself and some of the kids here, along with their parents, already have challenges in their life. It’s been nice to chat to some of the parents, and I spoke to a lady whose son has been here for seven months.
“That constant travelling is hard work so just to have a little chat can break the day up and bring a smile to someone’s face.”
Alder Hey cares for more than 450,000 children each year and has forged strong links with the Club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, which runs activities to support their work.
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